Children and Hearing: a selection of articles
by: News Canada
This article is based on a number of brief publications from News Canada,
ranging from 1 to a few paragraphs each. I have combined them
to make it easier to read the entire series. Please note that web references within the articles are specific to Canadian readers. For readers from the United States, please refer to the link at the end of these articles. Readers from other countries should use Google to search for speech-language pathologist or audiologist.
As well, check out our article on Teaching a Baby Sign Language.
Communication begins at birth
Babies learn to talk by listening to all the voices and sounds around them - and babies develop at different rates. Some babies take longer than others to develop speech and language. Here are some ways you can help:
- Talk to your baby when dressing, washing or feeding him/her.
- Play simple games, like "peek-a-boo".
- Sing songs and nursery rhymes.
- Read to your baby, using picture books and talking about what you see.
- Praise your child's efforts to communicate.
Check the yellow pages or visit the CASLPA web site to find a speech-language pathologist or audiologist near you.
When to suspect your child has a speech or hearing problem
The first few years of a child's life are particularly critical for speech and language development. Here's what to watch for:
Speech: When your 18 month old does not: use 10 or more words to communicate.... follow simple commands.... imitate words and sounds. When your two year old does not use two or more word sentences to express himself..... understand concepts like up, down, big, little or try to say his own name. When your three year old is not easily understood by an adult friend outside the family.... does not use "me or you" in speech... does not ask questions using "what"..... is not pronouncing the m, n, ng, p, f, or h sound in words or is not using three to four word sentences.
Hearing: When your newborn does not: respond to noises at three months.... look towards a speaker or sound at three to six months.... smile when spoken to at three to six months or vocalize and babble alone or with others at three to six months. When your 18 month old does not point and gesture to call attention to objects or events..... does not use words to get what he wants or continuously pulls at ears. When your three year old turns up the television or radio louder than other family members or does not hear you call from another room.
If you suspect a problem, contact a professional. Check the yellow pages or visit the Find A Professional area of the CASLPA web site to find a speech-language pathologist or audiologist near you.
Your infant's hearing health
Does your child talk differently than most children of the same age? Does your child seem delayed in learning new words? Does your child ignore your voice when his back is turned? These signs may indicate hearing loss. Early detection of hearing loss is vital. No child is too young to have their hearing tested. If you suspect a problem, contact an audiologist - a professional trained to evaluate and treat people with hearing disorders. Check the yellow pages or visit the Find A Professional area of the CASLPA web site to find a speech-language pathologist or audiologist near you.
Note: For our U.S. readers, visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
News Canada
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